Movers & Shakers: Gary Carter, Beth Chea & Gary N. Merson

March 26, 2026

Bob Coleman
Founder & Publisher

Movers & Shakers: Gary Carter, Beth Chea & Gary N. Merson

Gary Carter Named SBA National Sales Manager at First Internet Bank

“I’ve spent much of my career focused on credit and underwriting, which has given me a clear understanding of what it takes to successfully move an SBA loan from initial conversation to funding,” Carter says. “I’m excited to apply that experience to this role, working with our teams to help small business owners navigate the Small Business Administration loan process.”

First Internet Bank announced today that Gary Carter has been named its SBA National Sales Manager. In this role, he will lead the Bank’s national SBA sales strategy, with a focus on expanding relationships, diversifying channels, increasing funded SBA loan volume, and delivering a faster, more predictable lending experience for small business clients nationwide.

“Gary understands that strong SBA growth comes from clarity, consistency, and execution, not from chasing volume at the expense of outcomes,” states Nicole Lorch, President and Chief Operating Officer of First Internet Bank. “He has earned the trust of our sales team by helping them convert demand into closed transactions, removing friction from the process while supporting responsible growth across our national SBA platform. As we continue to expand our market presence, his leadership positions us to grow production while maintaining disciplined, repeatable results.”

Prior to his appointment as National Sales Manager, Carter was Vice President, Senior Credit Officer and played a key role in supporting SBA production across a national footprint, partnering with business development officers to structure transactions that aligned borrower needs with SBA requirements and Bank standards. His ability to engage early in the sales process helped drive execution certainty, shorten cycle times, and strengthen relationships with borrowers and referral partners. Earlier in his career, he held roles at Live Oak Bank, where he supported significant production growth by enabling sales teams to move confidently and efficiently through the SBA loan process.

Beth Chea Joins American Momentum Bank as Vice President, Business Development Officer III

“I was drawn to American Momentum Bank because of its dedicated focus on SBA lending and a culture that encourages collaboration to develop solutions that truly work for borrowers,” Chea says. “I am passionate about working with small business owners and take pride in helping them secure financing to
acquire businesses, expand operations or strengthen their balance sheets. I look forward to partnering with entrepreneurs and referral sources throughout New England.”

American Momentum Bank has hired Beth A. Chea as vice president, business development officer III, as the bank continues the national expansion of its SBA lending division. Based in Portsmouth, N.H., Chea will focus on cultivating
referral relationships and generating new SBA loan opportunities for the bank, with a primary emphasis on the New England market.

Chea has 30 years of experience in banking and finance, including more than 20 years dedicated to SBA lending. Most recently, she served as vice president, SBA business development officer at First Bank of the Lake. She is actively involved in the SBA lending and business brokerage communities. Chea is a member of NAGGL and previously served as Region 1 chairperson. She has been a member of the New England Business Brokers Association (NEBBA) for 20 years, serves on its board of directors and is chair of the events committee.

“Beth’s depth of experience in SBA lending and her long-standing relationships within the New England
market make her a valuable addition to our team,” states Patrick Fenech, senior vice president and
managing director of SBA lending at American Momentum Bank. “Her proven ability to support small
business owners and referral partners aligns well with our SBA platform and our commitment to
delivering thoughtful, customized financing solutions.”

Gary N. Merson Appointed President of American Lending Center

“I believe in ALC’s vision to be an immigrant first regional center, and John Shen and the ALC team have built an industry leader in EB-5 and lending.” Merson continues, “I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity; to all of ALC’s investors and its lending partners, and of course the team in Irvine and our offices in Asia, I am committed to ALC’s bedrock principles of transparency and integrity. I look forward to working with you over many years to create jobs and foster economic growth across the country.”

American Lending Center Holdings Inc., a mission-driven non-bank lending institution and federally designated EB-5 regional center, has announced the appointment of Gary N. Merson as President.

With over two decades of leadership experience in the federal government, including senior roles within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Congress, and the White House, Merson brings a distinguished track record in immigration policy and strategy, along with public-private collaboration.

As President, he will guide ALC’s strategic direction, deepen stakeholder engagement, and further strengthen the organization’s leadership across its dual platform as both a mission-based lender and a leader in the EB-5 industry. Building on his prior role as Executive Vice President, Merson has already played a critical role in advancing ALC’s integrated platform, strengthening its EB-5 initiatives through market expansion and enhanced compliance.

“Gary’s leadership, vision, and deep expertise have already made a meaningful impact at ALC,” says John Shen, founder and CEO of ALC. “His nomination as President reflects our confidence in his ability to lead the organization into its next phase of growth while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and performance.”